Pittsburgh’s First Christmas If those who first settled the city and lived at Fort Pitt in the 1750s got in a time machine and came forward to the future at Christmas, they’d be shocked at all the merriment and decorations. In 1758, Pittsburgh’s first Christmas was a particularly bleak one. Just one month earlier, the French had abandoned Fort Duquesne, burning it to the ground,
Read the Full Article →It happened every day in parking lots all over Pittsburgh, unnoticed except for those involved in the exchange. It took place unbidden or without prompting, and it is what I liked to call the Aldi Quarter Courtesy. I don’t know if this is just a phenomenon in our area or if it happens in all Aldi’s parking lots, but if you don’t know what I’m
Read the Full Article →No matter if you are young or old, when Halloween rolls around, you still like a treat. Below are 13 ideas for Halloween goodies that are sure to make your Halloween spook-tacular. Banana Ghosts Not all treats have to be unhealthy. Peel bananas and cut the banana in half. Press two mini chocolate chips into the pointy end of the banana to make a ghost.
Read the Full Article →Last February, aisles filled with heart-shaped chocolate boxes and frilly, cards of romantic exclamations were missing a Valentine’s Day staple. The long-beloved Sweethearts failed to grace the shelves of grocery stores and supermarkets across America, as their production was halted last year when Spangler acquired their producer, the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO). Nevertheless, the old adage “absence makes the heart grow fonder” reigns supreme
Read the Full Article →January Antonio Brown tweets that he wants to be traded from the Steelers, beginning a year a drama for the wide receiver. Penn State loses to Kentucky on New Year’s Day in the Citrus Bowl. On January 20, the area experienced a Super Wolf Blood moon. Twelve barges break loose on the Mon closing several bridges. The PA Turnpike raises tolls–again. February Punxsutawney Phil does
Read the Full Article →This week marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, for the Jewish people. The history behind this joyous holiday lies within the miracle of the Maccabees and God’s divine intervention. When the Grecian armies destroyed the Second Temple, Jewish armies rose and defeated their persecutors. However, when rededicating the desecrated temple to the Jewish faith, the Maccabees discovered there was only enough oil
Read the Full Article →Where can you go to enjoy the spirit of the season while also getting to enjoy fun rides? Kennywood Park’s Holiday Lights, of course! Now through December 30th visitors will get to see the festive side of Kennywood. The park is dazzling with nearly two million lights and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Pennsylvania, towering at 100 feet. You can visit Santa, take in
Read the Full Article →Pittsburgh is rich in history. From the ancient oaks that line the streets of its old steel mill towns to the Revolutionary War landmarks; there is much for Pittsburghers to take pride in. This past week, one of Pittsburgh’s smaller-scale historic attractions reopened for its 100th season at the Carnegie Science Center. The Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad & Village reopened on November 21st with
Read the Full Article →The holiday season is right around the corner and gift shopping right along with it. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the perfect gift for family and friends. We have compiled a list of 10 gift ideas to help you start your holiday off right. 1-Keepsake Ornaments Pick one of the lovely ornaments from the Pittsburgh series for the Yinzer in your life or
Read the Full Article →While the Pilgrims and Native Americans jubilantly celebrated the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock in 1621, Pittsburgh was not privy to this celebration until 1756, more than one hundred years later. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh’s first Thanksgiving was one filled with historical significance and festivity, and helped to set the foundation for our feasts of today. War and Peace During the French and Indian War (1754-1763) the
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